MA in Psychology
Gain a holistic understanding of human motivation.
Prepare to be an effective, holistic professional who leverages deep situational awareness to help others in a non-clinical setting. Our Master of Arts in Psychology places a strong emphasis on the theories of human development throughout the lifespan and within social context, so you can provide guidance through any of life’s challenging dilemmas. As a trained professional with extensive educational experience, you will be able to help others with fact-based recommendations, advice, and assistance.
This degree is offered by Antioch University's Santa Barbara campus.
Program Overview
The Master's in Psychology degree provides foundational, practical, and theoretical knowledge for a sustainable, successful career in psychology. Students completing this course of study do not meet the criteria for licensure but are qualified for consideration in a variety of fields of psychology or for entry into doctoral programs. The core of this degree includes:
- Strong emphasis on theories of human development throughout the lifespan and within the social context,
- Evidence-based research
- Counseling approaches outside of psychotherapy
President's Merit Scholarship
The President’s Merit Scholarships are awarded to new students seeking a master’s degree. Awards are determined by prior academic performance (minimum 3.40 GPA) and work/life experience. Awards of $6000 are distributed equally over the first two academic years of a student’s program. You must remain enrolled full-time, and your academic progress will be reviewed each term. You must complete each course in which you are registered in order to continue receiving the scholarship.
Additional Information
Program Length:
This program can be completed in 5 quarters.
Requirements:
A 60-credit program that includes a Practicum/Special Project sequence of 11 credits
Course Sequence
Winter 1:
- Theories of Psychotherapy in Context
- Human Development and Diversity
- Multicultural Awareness: Self, Culture, and Context
- Crisis, Disaster, and Emergency Response
Spring 1:
- Law & Ethics
- Substance-Related Disorders and Other Addictive Behaviors
- Contemporary Theories of Psychotherapy
- Group Theories
- Loss and Bereavement
- Lifespan Human Development: The Older Adult
Summer 1:
- Psychopathology
- Community Mental Health
- Healthy Development Throughout the Aging Process
- Practicum / Special Project
Fall 1:
- Human Sexuality and Counseling
- Dual Diagnosis: Substance-Related and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Domestic Violence: Spousal, Elder, and Child Abuse
- Practicum / Special Project
Winter 2:
- Practicum / Special Project
- The Process of Group Psychotherapy
- Research Methods
- Career and Lifestyle Planning
An MA in Psychology degree may lead to careers in areas such as nonprofit management or mental health services in:
- Sports Psychology
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Residential
- Case Management
- Victim and Child Advocacy
- Elder Care/Health Care
- Business Management/Consultation
- Human Resources
- Employee Training
- Research
- Career Counseling
- Student Services
- Gerontology
- Community
- Consumer Media
- Organizational
- Rehabilitation
Faculty Spotlights
Annika Okamoto, PhD, LP
Adjunct Faculty
Kristina Justice Gordon, LMFT
Adjunct Professor
Deepa Pulipati
Adjunct Faculty
Joy Zelikovsky, PsyD
Teaching Faculty
Admissions / Cost / Aid
Application Deadline
| Term | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | February 1 | July 15 |
| Winter | August 1 | November 1 |
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
AUSB practices rolling admission. Complete applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and admission decisions are provided promptly. The Early Action Deadline guarantees priority consideration for specific financial aid programs and scholarships, as well as the earliest decision notification. International applicants are encouraged to apply by the Early Action Deadline.
How to Apply
- Complete the online admissions application.
- Official transcript indicating a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- Two letters of recommendation
- Admission essays
Admission Review Process
Phase One
An application will be reviewed once the following are received by the Office of Admissions:
- Online admission application (including application fee or fee waiver)
- Unofficial or official transcript indicating Bachelor’s degree conferral from a regionally accredited college or university
- All admission essays
- At least one letter of recommendation
Phase Two
Upon recommendation from the Admissions Committee, an applicant is scheduled for a group interview. The group interview lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours, and includes members of the Admissions Committee and between 3 and 6 applicants. As part of the process, at the time of the group interview, each applicant is also asked to respond in writing to a brief essay question. An individual interview is offered to applicants who reside out of state.
Phase Three
Upon successful completion of the interview and recommendation from the Admissions Committee, the applicant is notified via email (only) of an offer of admission. The program does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. Antioch University Santa Barbara particularly seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to building a student population diverse in gender, ethnicity, age, class, physical abilities, learning styles, sexual orientation, professional backgrounds, and community experiences.
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition Per Quarter Credit | $782 |
| Program Fees: | |
| Quarterly International Student Fee | $200 |
| All Students-General Fee, (technology, electronic library, student activity) | $100 |
| Program Materials fee (first quarter only) | $30 |
| Experiential Learning Cloud Clinical Training Software Signup Fee | $220 |
| MACP Program: Quarterly Liability Insurance Fee | $15 |
| Late Registration Fee | $100 |
| Late Payment Fee | $50 |
| Return Check Fee | $50 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
Please note: Additional fees for all AUSB programs may include (but are not necessarily limited to) charges for materials, late registration, enrollment maintenance, parking, graduation, transcripts, tuition payment plan, late payments, late registration, and returned checks.
Financial Aid
A majority of AUSB students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUSB.
Start your Antioch Journey
Take your next step - talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.